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Bicyclist killed in Minneapolis van crash

A bicyclist died Monday night in south Minneapolis after he was hit by a van while riding in the street, police said.

The rider was pushed up over a snow bank, and trapped underneath the van as it continued for about a quarter of the block, according to Minneapolis Police Department spokesman John Elder.

The 49-year-old van driver was arrested. Police think alcohol played a factor in the crash, but are awaiting toxicology reports. Elder said the driver smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot and watery eyes and slurred speech.

The crash took place just before 10 p.m. Police originally thought the biker was riding on the sidewalk. After more investigation Elder said police concluded the biker was riding on the road --westbound on Franklin Avenue between Harriet and Garfield Avenues--before he was hit from behind.

He died shortly afterward at the scene. The victim's name has not been released.

"The van hit a parked car, the person, a commercial-sized dumpster, garbage cans, all while dragging the victim underneath the van," Elder said.

The biker was wearing a helmet and lights illuminated the front and back of his bike, Elder said.

"It is truly a senseless situation and a senseless death --- very, very sad," Elder said, regardless of whether the driver was drinking, distracted, or just not paying attention, he added.

Last year, six bicyclists died in Minnesota traffic crashes, according to the most recent data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety. In 2012, seven bicyclists died in crashes.